Wing Commander Sanjay Nathak (18486) AE (L) is on the posted strength of a prestigious Base Repair Depot since 27 Jun 05 and has been functioning as Sqn Cdr Aircraft Overhaul Sqn (MiG-29).

Wg Cdr Nathak has been a highly versatile officer and his experience in military aviation spans from MiG-23 to MiG-29 from first line to fourth line. He is also trained on ground systems including Radio and Radar navigation equipment. He has also been trained in USA on Electro-Magnetic Spectrum Analysis for allocation of frequencies and undertaking interference analysis. He has been commended by AOC-in-C, SWAC and CAS in 1997 and 2000 respectively for displaying exceptional professional acumen and innovative approach. He has also been recommended for Dr. VM Ghatage award of Aeronautical Society of India for special achievement and contribution to the field of aviation.

During his tenure, he has been instrumental in undertaking major structural repair schemes for repair of wing of trainer ac KS3305 damaged during an mid air incident and air intake repair on ac KB-709 which had got damaged during landing as the ac had skidded off the runway. Both the structural repairs involved high level of skill along with pro-active and innovative approach to undertake such repairs, which were first of its kind and never ever attempted in the fleet. Since the repairs were directly affecting flight safety, the repair scheme so developed by Wg Cdr Nathak and his motivated team had to be vetted by HAL (ND) and approved by RCMA (N). Both the ac are presently under exploitation without any restriction and speaks high about professional pride and involvement and was also appreciated and placed on record by the OEM design team, which had visited the Depot during their survey visit for upgrade of MiG-29 ac. This has not only resulted in substantial savings in FOREX which can not be weighed in cost in isolation but has helped boost the confidence and professional acumen of the team led by him. The MiG-29 fleet was recently affected with cracks on Fin Beam and as a result six ac were grounded in 2006. He ably led an independent team and had successfully absorbed the intricacies of the highly complicated technology, which involved cutting open of fin and independently enabled recovery of affected aircraft in record time with effective implementation of technology. His proactive approach in adopting the technology and executing it without the assistance from OEM has entailed in savings of approx 66,000 USD. He has also been instrumental in undertaking review of technology for repair of Wing Fuel leak and Drop Tank repairs.

For his exceptional acumen, foresight, creative thinking and distinguished service of high order, Hon'ble President is pleased to award 'Vishisht Seva Medal' to Wing Commander Sanjay Nathak.